Box and Fiddle
Year 30 No 04
December 2006
Price £2.30
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £25.30 + p&p £8.80 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
The Festive Season is upon us! Please remember that, due to holidays, the deadline for EVERYTHING – articles, letters, photographs and Club reports – for the January issue is December 8th.
Well done to the winners at Perth, Ayrshire and Glenfiddich – so much talent!
At the beginning of December we’re off to the Scots Trad Music Awards in Fort William. Congratulations to Robbie Shepherd, all of the artistes entering the Hall of Fame, and everyone who has been nominated in the various categories. Good Luck!!!
Karin Ingram
57th Perth Festival 2006
by Joe O’Neill
Our arrival this year was a very gusty one, as the aircraft had to make two attempts to land because of the winds and heavy rain. We landed and collected our little rented car and set out for Perth. Well, we had not long left the airport when we caught up with the tailback of traffic miles long on our way to the Forth Road Bridge. The snails were passing us and at one point I felt like joining them! Once across the bridge we headed for Perth non-stop.
Having refreshed at the Perth Leisure Centre we had a bite to eat and dropped off our bags at our usual Cheswick Guest House and set out for Newburgh where Lindsay Weir and her Band were in full session at the Ship hotel, High Street. Lindsay was on lead accordion with Colin Garvin (her husband) on keyboard and Bill Buchan on drums. Lindsay played a great selection of pipe marches along with reels and jigs and some of Colin’s compositions. Congratulations to Lindsay and Colin on their recent wedding. The video camera men/women were out in force as there were four or five of them recording the session from which, I believe, they will make a film later.
During the intermission there were lots of players, including Alan Clark on accordion, Bill Ewan on keyboard and Ian Adamson on drums.
After the break Lindsay and her band continued the night with a great selection of tunes with some of her recent CD Celtic Steps. It’s the kind of music that gets your toes tapping and heart beating. After a very good night’s entertainment we headed back to Perth.
On Friday morning we called in to Bill Wilkie’s Music House and collected out tickets for the concert and information about the competition venues.
We then took a tour of Perth and I have to say that great improvements have been made to the appearance of the streets and buildings since last year. With just a few roadworks to finish, all should be in good shape next year.
The Ceilidh at The Grampian Hotel on Friday night was a great success, and from the very start to the finish it was non-stop entertainment to suit all. John Carmichael and his Band, along with visiting musicians put on a beautiful performance.
John’s band consisted of John on accordion, Angie MacEachern on fiddle, John Sinton on bass, Billy Thom on drums and Alan Kitchen on keyboard. The dancers never left the floor and every dance was lively and very energetic. You could see and feel that the dancers were really enjoying the music and dance. This feeling was carried over to the musicians also. The visiting entertainers were as follows:-
Laura Jane Rintoul – Puirt-a Beul (mouth music); Gary and Alan Sutherland on accordion and drums (Gary recently had his first ‘TTF’ broadcast with his Band and we wish them every success in the future); Roya MacLean on accordion and Heather Fraser on drums; Ewan Galloway on accordion; Susan MacFadyen on accordion; Shona MacFadyen on fiddle, Matthew MacLennan on accordion and Joanna Cockburn on keyboard.
The aforementioned made up duets and trios and also joined in to form a full band. It was great just to sit back and listen to such great talent, and many of them teenagers.
Mickie Ainsworth was MC and, between dances, gave us some of his usual jovial renditions which were well received by all. We could have danced all night but all good things have to end and Mickie left me the honours to thank all for their support.
Saturday morning and all around Perth you could see fellows and girls pulling boxes containing their instruments to the Concert Hall and The Salutation Hotel, where they would compete for cups and medals. Entries were up again in the all important contest – 32 in the Open Solo Championship and a record 9 entries in the Open Scottish Band Section.
This year I would like to focus on the adjudicators and the many award they have to judge.
The adjudicators this year were :-
John Carmichael
John Crawford
Alex McIntyre
Willie & Freda Gordon
Addie Harper & Alan Small
Angela MacEachern
A special word of thanks to the adjudicators for their expertise and judgment.
Now to the main event of the Festival. The new concert Hall was full to capacity by 6.45pm and the show got under way.
Bill Wilkie and his Accordion Orchestra with Pam Wilkie on piano opened the show. Guest singer Jimmy Turner sang some golden oldies and was followed by Gary Sutherland, 2005 All Scotland Open Solo Accordion Champion. The Minstrel Singers consisting of Maureen Rutherford, Di Coburn, Louise Bissett, Sheila Turner, Ken Smeaton, Bill Gratty, Alistair and Alan Stewart, then took to the stage and delighted us with songs from the past and present. The Sandra Wright Dancers, followed by Julie Young Dancers gave superb performances.
The finalists of the All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006 came on stage one by one to play – a great performance by all.
Alan Small and his Lomond Ceilidh Band took centre stage and had our feet and hands going.
Dansarena then danced in ‘Riverdance’ style.
After the 15-minute break The Mums of the Julie Young Dancers gave a marvelous performance of ‘Mac the Knife’. There’s lots of mileage in those mums yet! Angela MacEachern on violin gave a great selection of Scottish tunes. Eddie Devine, in his airline uniform, had us laughing with tears running down our cheeks at his very funny jokes. You would have to write them down to remember them.
John Carmichael gave the Adjudicators’ Summary on the finalists of the 2006 All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006.
Oleg Sharov came from St Petersburg for this special occasion. The Russian virtuoso accordionist gave a super performance of Russian and continental music.
The young members of Julie Young Dancers then did the Charleston followed by songs from Perth’s own Donald Maxwell with John Scrimger at the piano.
Michael Philip (2002 champion) and his SCDB led us in some very lively Scottish Dance Music. The concert ended with Auld Lang Syne.
We then went over to the Salutation Hotel where the Festival Dance was being held with Craig McCallum’s SDB playing to a packed hall.
There was Craig on lead accordion, Gillies Crichton on second box, Alison smith on fiddle, Alasdair MacLeod on bass, Duncan Henderson on drums and Hazel McCallum on piano. The dancers were in for a great night’s dancing as the band had them on their toes and heels doing the various dances. A great gathering from the concert was in attendance.
Bill Wilkie’s house was next port of call and a large gathering of musicians and dancers and singers were enjoying Bill’s hospitality. Sunday night took us to Forfar A&F Club, which was held in The Royal Hotel. Their guests were the Lynn Gould Trio from Aberdeen. Lynn was on lead accordiom, Graeme Mitchell on keyboard and Graham Sherrit on drums. There was a large attendance and some great performances from the Club members during the evening.
We wish to thank all the people we met during our few days for their Cead Mile Failte.
57th All Scotland Accordion Festival 2006
All Scotland Senior Amateur Traditional Solo (John Crawford Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
All Scotland Open Traditional Accordion Solo Championship (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Alex Mackenzie (Perth)
2) Stewart Walker (Cawder)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (John Gibson, Ronnie Cooper Memorial Trophy)
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Gary Sutherland (Ladybank)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Cup)
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2)
3)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) John Bone (Inverallochy)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Ewan Galloway (Coldingham)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
Scottish Traditional Button Key Accordion Solo
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Keith Duncan (Aberdeen)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Bill Findlay (Dunfermline)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Charlie Cowie Memorial Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Claire Noble (Biggar)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Jimmy Stephen Salver)
1) Mairi McLeod (Fraserburgh)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12) (Black Isle Shield)
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
3) Murdo Elwis (Kinross)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Tom Gold (Douglas)
Junior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (Under 16) (Sheila Rankine Memorial Trophy)
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Lorna Edward (Keith)
3) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
3=) Neil Tollan (Carluke) & Susan McGinlay (Thornhill)
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Anne Nicol (Insch)
3) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
Senior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (16 and over) 1) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
2) Raemond Jappy (Buckie)
3) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Under 12
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1)
2)
3)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
Open Classical Musette Solo
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Alex Young (Houston)
Open Classical Polka Solo
1) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
2) Luke Crawford (Ladybank)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Musette Solo
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo
1) Callum Muir (Carnwath)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Senior Classical Accordion Championship (Accordion World Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
3)
Junior Classical Accordion Championship
1)
2)
3)
Under 12 Classical Accordion Solo (Kool Accordions Sussex Cup)
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
3) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Ayrshire Scottish Music Association
by Elma MacFadyen
Saturday, 7th October…………..
Glenfiddich 2006
by Ian Robertson
On Sunday 29th October,…………….
Scots Trad Music Awards 2006
Friday 1st December – Sunday 3rd December
Robbie Shepherd
by Rob Adams
This month’s Scots Trad Music Awards in Fort William sees the prestigious Hamish Henderson Service to Traditional Music Award (sponsored by BBC Radio Shetland) presented to Robbie Shepherd MBE. This award was introduced in 2003 to celebrate those special people whom Scottish traditional music couldn’t do without. It was posthumously awarded to Hamish Henderson and thereafter known as ‘Hamish Henderson Service to Traditional Music Award’. In 2004 the award went to The McCalmans, and in 2005 it was presented to Ian Green of Greeentrax.
Robbie Shepherd is as much a part of Scottish Broadcasting as the Hogmanay Bells. As the presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ and ‘The Reel Blend’, Robbie’s strong Doric tones have made him welcome in homes throughout Scotland, and with the advent of Internet broadcasting, his audience now stretches across the world.
Robbie was born in Dunecht, twelve miles outside Aberdeen, and when Robbie was growing up his father used to go into the city once a month to buy records. The young Robbie could hardly wait to hear the latest Jimmy Shand, Robert Wilson and Kenneth McKellar offerings, and his enthusiasm for Scottish music has never diminished.
His own instrument is the moothie. In his younger days he played with a band and once supported Calum Kennedy, but it was language that was to bring him to the public attention. He has commentated on the Highland Games circuit, including the famous Braemar Gathering, since the 1960s and as a popular concert compere he traveled the length and breadth of Scotland and down to The Royal Albert Hall with The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
His weekly columns for the Aberdeen Press and Journal, in which he reflects with rye humour on current affairs, books and films, has long enjoyed an enthusiastic following. Written in Doric – hence the published collection, ‘Doric Columns’ – they find their way all over the world to appreciative readers, and Robbie’s acknowledged expertise in his mother tongue resulted in him being awarded the M.Univ (Master of the University) by Aberdeen University in 2001.
When the original host of Take the Floor, David Findlay, died in 1981, Robbie was given the opportunity to take over. Despite initial opposition from some who found his broad Doric accent unsuitable, Robbie soon made the programme his own. His warm welcome and genuine love of the music he presents immediately put an audience at ease.
This is particularly true when Take the Floor takes to the road and broadcasts live from Lerwick or Achiltibuie or the many other places where Robbie and crew have rolled up. Such adventures don’t always go entirely to plan. Robbie well remembers the him he and his production team had to saw through the chain across the door of a Glasgow hall before they got in and got the show going. Then, on Mull, they had to keep pumping coins into a hungry electricity meter so that the power would stay on through the show.
The power of Robbie’s personality has ensured that many honours have come his way. In 1992 Robbie’s services to Scottish Music were recognised by The NAAFC, and in 1998 he was presented with an award for his outstanding loyalty to the RSCDS. In the 2001 New Years Honours List Robbie was appointed MBE for his services to Scottish Music and Culture. Other recognition has come in the form of a ceilidh band calling themselves Robbie Shepherd’s Nightmare and a poem written in his honour by Simon Brown – a suitable tribute to a man of letters and a poet on the airwaves.
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Sure as the Sunrise – Gordon Pattullo Ceilidh Band – GPCD002 – GP Recordings
Chi Min Tir – Iain Angus MacLeod Ceilidh Band – WCMCD032 – Watercolour Music
Executive Club – Marie Fielding – TRCD0603 – Thane Recordings
The Vallin Suite Vol 1 – Neil Barron SDB – JVMCD0601 – JVM Productions
The Ceilidh. Are ye Dancin’ – The Glengraig SDB – CDTRAX303 – Greentrax Recordings
The Gollach Ceilidh Band Vol 1 – CDPAN019 – Pan Records
DVD Reviews
The Scottish Dance Bands of Angus Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2006
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
Wednesday, 8th November, marked the end of an era in Letham (Fife) Village Hall as the dancers joined hands and sang Auld Lang Syne, when Jimmy Shand Jnr ended the regular dance at Letham.
For the past 26 years, Jimmy and his wife Margaret, have organised the fortnightly dances and monthly accordion clubs, both of which have been patronized by supporters from as far afield as Alloa, Boddam, Callander, Carnwath, Castle Douglas and Strathaven.
Over the years the Shand family have also held many private functions in the hall.
The hall was the venue for the BBC Hogmanay television programme in 1985, when the band comprised Jimmy Shand Jnr, Ian Powrie, the late Sir Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod and Jim MacLeod. BBC Radio Scotland, with Robbie Shepherd, recorded the ‘TTF’ series in 1987 and 2002. A video, ‘Dancing with the Shands’, launched in 1994, was also recorded in the hall.
In 1998, The Queen, along with the late First Minister – Donald Dewar, Lord and Lady Elgin and Sir Menzies Campbell visited the hall to meet the late Sir Jimmy Shand, his late wife Lady Anne (as they were later known), Jimmy Junior, his wife Margaret and brother David and daughter Diane and her husband Graeme. The party were then entertained to a selection of the Shand music by the members of the accordion club.
All these events certainly put the village of Letham firmly on the map.
Sadly, due to conflicting functions within the hall, the Shand functions will no longer be held at Letham.
However, the ‘old time dancing’ and the accordion club music will still echo along the Howe of Fife, as Jimmy and his band, comprising accordionist Hamish Smith and drummer Jim Lawrie move to a new venue in the Village Hall at nearby Collessie.
John McDonald (Kirkcaldy)
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
2nd Dec 06 – Gordon shand SDB (From The Caol Hall, Fort William as part of the Scots Trad Music Awards)
9th Dec 06 – Alexander Lindsay SDB
16th Dec 06 – Guest Presenter Bruce MacGregor Tom Orr SDB (Interview with Aly Bain)
23rd Dec 06 – John Carmichael SDB (and Special Guests)
30th Dec 06 – Three of ‘The Greats’ (Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod & Jim MacLeod)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 12th Dec 06 – Dance to James Coutts Trio
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Dec 06 – Dance to the Bon Accords
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd Dec 06 – David Vernon
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 7th Dec 06 – Andrew Knight SDB 8th Dec 06 – Dance to Jimmy Lindsay
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th Dec 06 – Willie McFarlane Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26 Dec 06 – Ian Hutson SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 20th Dec 06 - Woodlanders
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 18th Dec 06 – John Renton SDB
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th Dec 06 – Alan Small & Karen Hannah
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Dec 06 – Scott Band SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 12th Dec 06 – David Hall SDB
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th Dec 06 – Bruce Lindsay Jnr SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Dec 06 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus (Stuart Cameron Trio)
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th Dec 06 – Christmas Ceilidh
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Dec 06 – Bon Accords
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th Dec 06 – 25th Anniv evening with Seamus O’Sullivan
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Dec 06 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 12th Dec 06 – Ian Anderson SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th / 9th Dec 06 – Robert Whitehead SDB 10th Dec – Marian Anderson Trio
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 18th Dec 06 – Gordon Shand SDB
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 18th Dec 06 – Willie Scott
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 17th Dec 06 – Gordon Pattullo
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Dec 06 – Susie Simpson SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 7th Dec 06 – Gordon Brown SDB
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 21st Dec 06 – Dick Black Band
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th Dec 06 – Trossachs CB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 19th Dec 06 – Willie McFarlane Band
Gretna (Social & Athletic Club) - 3rd Dec 06 – Deirdre Adamson
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 17th Dec 06 – Andy Kain Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Dec 06 – Tommy Newcomen
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th Dec 06 – Campsie A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 8th Dec 06 – Dance to Graeme Mitchell SDB
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 5th Dec 06 – Ian Hutson Quartet
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 13th Dec 06 – Vaila Tait Duo
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 6th Dec 06 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Ladybank (Railway Tavern) - 21st Dec 06 – Open Club Night
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 16th Dec 06 – Dance to Andy Kain Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 13th Dec 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th Dec 06 – Club Night 8th Dec 06 – Dance to Ross MacPherson SDB 15th Dec 06 – Grand Christmas Dance
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Dec 06 – Bon Accords
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Dec 06 – Alexander Brothers
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 20th Dec 06 – Club Night
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Dec 06 – Jennifer Cruickshank SDB
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 7th Dec 06 – Neil Sinclair Sound
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig)
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 5th Dec 06 – Alexander Lindsay
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th Dec 06 – George Meikle Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 7th Dec 06 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 14th Dec 06 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - Dec 06 -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 6th Dec 06 – Deirdre Adamson
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 12th Dec 06 – Willie McFarlane & Jessie Baillie
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th Dec 06 – Wyvis Sound
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th Dec 06 – Bill Brian & Fine Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 14th Dec 06 – Club Night
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 12th Dec 06 – Blair Gardiner SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Button-Key
11. Campsie
12. Castle Douglas
13. Coalburn
14. Crieff
15. Dunblane
16. Dunfermline
17. Duns
18. Fintry
19. Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galashiels
22. Glendale
23. Glenrothes
24. Gretna
25. Haddington
26. Highland
27. Inveraray
28 Isle of Skye
29 Islesteps
30. Kelso
31. Kintore
32. Langholm
33. Livingston
34. Lockerbie
35. Mauchline
36. Montrose
37. Newmill
38. Newtongrange
39. North East
40. Oban
41. Orkney
42. Peebles
43. Rothbury
44. Stonehouse
45. Sutherland
46. Thornhill
47. Turriff
48. Tynedale
49. West Barnes
50. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2006
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
The Festive Season is upon us! Please remember that, due to holidays, the deadline for EVERYTHING – articles, letters, photographs and Club reports – for the January issue is December 8th.
Well done to the winners at Perth, Ayrshire and Glenfiddich – so much talent!
At the beginning of December we’re off to the Scots Trad Music Awards in Fort William. Congratulations to Robbie Shepherd, all of the artistes entering the Hall of Fame, and everyone who has been nominated in the various categories. Good Luck!!!
Karin Ingram
57th Perth Festival 2006
by Joe O’Neill
Our arrival this year was a very gusty one, as the aircraft had to make two attempts to land because of the winds and heavy rain. We landed and collected our little rented car and set out for Perth. Well, we had not long left the airport when we caught up with the tailback of traffic miles long on our way to the Forth Road Bridge. The snails were passing us and at one point I felt like joining them! Once across the bridge we headed for Perth non-stop.
Having refreshed at the Perth Leisure Centre we had a bite to eat and dropped off our bags at our usual Cheswick Guest House and set out for Newburgh where Lindsay Weir and her Band were in full session at the Ship hotel, High Street. Lindsay was on lead accordion with Colin Garvin (her husband) on keyboard and Bill Buchan on drums. Lindsay played a great selection of pipe marches along with reels and jigs and some of Colin’s compositions. Congratulations to Lindsay and Colin on their recent wedding. The video camera men/women were out in force as there were four or five of them recording the session from which, I believe, they will make a film later.
During the intermission there were lots of players, including Alan Clark on accordion, Bill Ewan on keyboard and Ian Adamson on drums.
After the break Lindsay and her band continued the night with a great selection of tunes with some of her recent CD Celtic Steps. It’s the kind of music that gets your toes tapping and heart beating. After a very good night’s entertainment we headed back to Perth.
On Friday morning we called in to Bill Wilkie’s Music House and collected out tickets for the concert and information about the competition venues.
We then took a tour of Perth and I have to say that great improvements have been made to the appearance of the streets and buildings since last year. With just a few roadworks to finish, all should be in good shape next year.
The Ceilidh at The Grampian Hotel on Friday night was a great success, and from the very start to the finish it was non-stop entertainment to suit all. John Carmichael and his Band, along with visiting musicians put on a beautiful performance.
John’s band consisted of John on accordion, Angie MacEachern on fiddle, John Sinton on bass, Billy Thom on drums and Alan Kitchen on keyboard. The dancers never left the floor and every dance was lively and very energetic. You could see and feel that the dancers were really enjoying the music and dance. This feeling was carried over to the musicians also. The visiting entertainers were as follows:-
Laura Jane Rintoul – Puirt-a Beul (mouth music); Gary and Alan Sutherland on accordion and drums (Gary recently had his first ‘TTF’ broadcast with his Band and we wish them every success in the future); Roya MacLean on accordion and Heather Fraser on drums; Ewan Galloway on accordion; Susan MacFadyen on accordion; Shona MacFadyen on fiddle, Matthew MacLennan on accordion and Joanna Cockburn on keyboard.
The aforementioned made up duets and trios and also joined in to form a full band. It was great just to sit back and listen to such great talent, and many of them teenagers.
Mickie Ainsworth was MC and, between dances, gave us some of his usual jovial renditions which were well received by all. We could have danced all night but all good things have to end and Mickie left me the honours to thank all for their support.
Saturday morning and all around Perth you could see fellows and girls pulling boxes containing their instruments to the Concert Hall and The Salutation Hotel, where they would compete for cups and medals. Entries were up again in the all important contest – 32 in the Open Solo Championship and a record 9 entries in the Open Scottish Band Section.
This year I would like to focus on the adjudicators and the many award they have to judge.
The adjudicators this year were :-
John Carmichael
John Crawford
Alex McIntyre
Willie & Freda Gordon
Addie Harper & Alan Small
Angela MacEachern
A special word of thanks to the adjudicators for their expertise and judgment.
Now to the main event of the Festival. The new concert Hall was full to capacity by 6.45pm and the show got under way.
Bill Wilkie and his Accordion Orchestra with Pam Wilkie on piano opened the show. Guest singer Jimmy Turner sang some golden oldies and was followed by Gary Sutherland, 2005 All Scotland Open Solo Accordion Champion. The Minstrel Singers consisting of Maureen Rutherford, Di Coburn, Louise Bissett, Sheila Turner, Ken Smeaton, Bill Gratty, Alistair and Alan Stewart, then took to the stage and delighted us with songs from the past and present. The Sandra Wright Dancers, followed by Julie Young Dancers gave superb performances.
The finalists of the All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006 came on stage one by one to play – a great performance by all.
Alan Small and his Lomond Ceilidh Band took centre stage and had our feet and hands going.
Dansarena then danced in ‘Riverdance’ style.
After the 15-minute break The Mums of the Julie Young Dancers gave a marvelous performance of ‘Mac the Knife’. There’s lots of mileage in those mums yet! Angela MacEachern on violin gave a great selection of Scottish tunes. Eddie Devine, in his airline uniform, had us laughing with tears running down our cheeks at his very funny jokes. You would have to write them down to remember them.
John Carmichael gave the Adjudicators’ Summary on the finalists of the 2006 All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006.
Oleg Sharov came from St Petersburg for this special occasion. The Russian virtuoso accordionist gave a super performance of Russian and continental music.
The young members of Julie Young Dancers then did the Charleston followed by songs from Perth’s own Donald Maxwell with John Scrimger at the piano.
Michael Philip (2002 champion) and his SCDB led us in some very lively Scottish Dance Music. The concert ended with Auld Lang Syne.
We then went over to the Salutation Hotel where the Festival Dance was being held with Craig McCallum’s SDB playing to a packed hall.
There was Craig on lead accordion, Gillies Crichton on second box, Alison smith on fiddle, Alasdair MacLeod on bass, Duncan Henderson on drums and Hazel McCallum on piano. The dancers were in for a great night’s dancing as the band had them on their toes and heels doing the various dances. A great gathering from the concert was in attendance.
Bill Wilkie’s house was next port of call and a large gathering of musicians and dancers and singers were enjoying Bill’s hospitality. Sunday night took us to Forfar A&F Club, which was held in The Royal Hotel. Their guests were the Lynn Gould Trio from Aberdeen. Lynn was on lead accordiom, Graeme Mitchell on keyboard and Graham Sherrit on drums. There was a large attendance and some great performances from the Club members during the evening.
We wish to thank all the people we met during our few days for their Cead Mile Failte.
57th All Scotland Accordion Festival 2006
All Scotland Senior Amateur Traditional Solo (John Crawford Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
All Scotland Open Traditional Accordion Solo Championship (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Alex Mackenzie (Perth)
2) Stewart Walker (Cawder)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (John Gibson, Ronnie Cooper Memorial Trophy)
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Gary Sutherland (Ladybank)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Cup)
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2)
3)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) John Bone (Inverallochy)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Ewan Galloway (Coldingham)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
Scottish Traditional Button Key Accordion Solo
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Keith Duncan (Aberdeen)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Bill Findlay (Dunfermline)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Charlie Cowie Memorial Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Claire Noble (Biggar)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Jimmy Stephen Salver)
1) Mairi McLeod (Fraserburgh)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12) (Black Isle Shield)
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
3) Murdo Elwis (Kinross)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Tom Gold (Douglas)
Junior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (Under 16) (Sheila Rankine Memorial Trophy)
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Lorna Edward (Keith)
3) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
3=) Neil Tollan (Carluke) & Susan McGinlay (Thornhill)
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Anne Nicol (Insch)
3) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
Senior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (16 and over) 1) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
2) Raemond Jappy (Buckie)
3) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Under 12
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1)
2)
3)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
Open Classical Musette Solo
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Alex Young (Houston)
Open Classical Polka Solo
1) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
2) Luke Crawford (Ladybank)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Musette Solo
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo
1) Callum Muir (Carnwath)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Senior Classical Accordion Championship (Accordion World Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
3)
Junior Classical Accordion Championship
1)
2)
3)
Under 12 Classical Accordion Solo (Kool Accordions Sussex Cup)
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
3) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Ayrshire Scottish Music Association
by Elma MacFadyen
Saturday, 7th October…………..
Glenfiddich 2006
by Ian Robertson
On Sunday 29th October,…………….
Scots Trad Music Awards 2006
Friday 1st December – Sunday 3rd December
Robbie Shepherd
by Rob Adams
This month’s Scots Trad Music Awards in Fort William sees the prestigious Hamish Henderson Service to Traditional Music Award (sponsored by BBC Radio Shetland) presented to Robbie Shepherd MBE. This award was introduced in 2003 to celebrate those special people whom Scottish traditional music couldn’t do without. It was posthumously awarded to Hamish Henderson and thereafter known as ‘Hamish Henderson Service to Traditional Music Award’. In 2004 the award went to The McCalmans, and in 2005 it was presented to Ian Green of Greeentrax.
Robbie Shepherd is as much a part of Scottish Broadcasting as the Hogmanay Bells. As the presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ and ‘The Reel Blend’, Robbie’s strong Doric tones have made him welcome in homes throughout Scotland, and with the advent of Internet broadcasting, his audience now stretches across the world.
Robbie was born in Dunecht, twelve miles outside Aberdeen, and when Robbie was growing up his father used to go into the city once a month to buy records. The young Robbie could hardly wait to hear the latest Jimmy Shand, Robert Wilson and Kenneth McKellar offerings, and his enthusiasm for Scottish music has never diminished.
His own instrument is the moothie. In his younger days he played with a band and once supported Calum Kennedy, but it was language that was to bring him to the public attention. He has commentated on the Highland Games circuit, including the famous Braemar Gathering, since the 1960s and as a popular concert compere he traveled the length and breadth of Scotland and down to The Royal Albert Hall with The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
His weekly columns for the Aberdeen Press and Journal, in which he reflects with rye humour on current affairs, books and films, has long enjoyed an enthusiastic following. Written in Doric – hence the published collection, ‘Doric Columns’ – they find their way all over the world to appreciative readers, and Robbie’s acknowledged expertise in his mother tongue resulted in him being awarded the M.Univ (Master of the University) by Aberdeen University in 2001.
When the original host of Take the Floor, David Findlay, died in 1981, Robbie was given the opportunity to take over. Despite initial opposition from some who found his broad Doric accent unsuitable, Robbie soon made the programme his own. His warm welcome and genuine love of the music he presents immediately put an audience at ease.
This is particularly true when Take the Floor takes to the road and broadcasts live from Lerwick or Achiltibuie or the many other places where Robbie and crew have rolled up. Such adventures don’t always go entirely to plan. Robbie well remembers the him he and his production team had to saw through the chain across the door of a Glasgow hall before they got in and got the show going. Then, on Mull, they had to keep pumping coins into a hungry electricity meter so that the power would stay on through the show.
The power of Robbie’s personality has ensured that many honours have come his way. In 1992 Robbie’s services to Scottish Music were recognised by The NAAFC, and in 1998 he was presented with an award for his outstanding loyalty to the RSCDS. In the 2001 New Years Honours List Robbie was appointed MBE for his services to Scottish Music and Culture. Other recognition has come in the form of a ceilidh band calling themselves Robbie Shepherd’s Nightmare and a poem written in his honour by Simon Brown – a suitable tribute to a man of letters and a poet on the airwaves.
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Sure as the Sunrise – Gordon Pattullo Ceilidh Band – GPCD002 – GP Recordings
Chi Min Tir – Iain Angus MacLeod Ceilidh Band – WCMCD032 – Watercolour Music
Executive Club – Marie Fielding – TRCD0603 – Thane Recordings
The Vallin Suite Vol 1 – Neil Barron SDB – JVMCD0601 – JVM Productions
The Ceilidh. Are ye Dancin’ – The Glengraig SDB – CDTRAX303 – Greentrax Recordings
The Gollach Ceilidh Band Vol 1 – CDPAN019 – Pan Records
DVD Reviews
The Scottish Dance Bands of Angus Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2006
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
Wednesday, 8th November, marked the end of an era in Letham (Fife) Village Hall as the dancers joined hands and sang Auld Lang Syne, when Jimmy Shand Jnr ended the regular dance at Letham.
For the past 26 years, Jimmy and his wife Margaret, have organised the fortnightly dances and monthly accordion clubs, both of which have been patronized by supporters from as far afield as Alloa, Boddam, Callander, Carnwath, Castle Douglas and Strathaven.
Over the years the Shand family have also held many private functions in the hall.
The hall was the venue for the BBC Hogmanay television programme in 1985, when the band comprised Jimmy Shand Jnr, Ian Powrie, the late Sir Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod and Jim MacLeod. BBC Radio Scotland, with Robbie Shepherd, recorded the ‘TTF’ series in 1987 and 2002. A video, ‘Dancing with the Shands’, launched in 1994, was also recorded in the hall.
In 1998, The Queen, along with the late First Minister – Donald Dewar, Lord and Lady Elgin and Sir Menzies Campbell visited the hall to meet the late Sir Jimmy Shand, his late wife Lady Anne (as they were later known), Jimmy Junior, his wife Margaret and brother David and daughter Diane and her husband Graeme. The party were then entertained to a selection of the Shand music by the members of the accordion club.
All these events certainly put the village of Letham firmly on the map.
Sadly, due to conflicting functions within the hall, the Shand functions will no longer be held at Letham.
However, the ‘old time dancing’ and the accordion club music will still echo along the Howe of Fife, as Jimmy and his band, comprising accordionist Hamish Smith and drummer Jim Lawrie move to a new venue in the Village Hall at nearby Collessie.
John McDonald (Kirkcaldy)
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
2nd Dec 06 – Gordon shand SDB (From The Caol Hall, Fort William as part of the Scots Trad Music Awards)
9th Dec 06 – Alexander Lindsay SDB
16th Dec 06 – Guest Presenter Bruce MacGregor Tom Orr SDB (Interview with Aly Bain)
23rd Dec 06 – John Carmichael SDB (and Special Guests)
30th Dec 06 – Three of ‘The Greats’ (Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod & Jim MacLeod)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 12th Dec 06 – Dance to James Coutts Trio
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Dec 06 – Dance to the Bon Accords
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd Dec 06 – David Vernon
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 7th Dec 06 – Andrew Knight SDB 8th Dec 06 – Dance to Jimmy Lindsay
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th Dec 06 – Willie McFarlane Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26 Dec 06 – Ian Hutson SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 20th Dec 06 - Woodlanders
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 18th Dec 06 – John Renton SDB
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th Dec 06 – Alan Small & Karen Hannah
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Dec 06 – Scott Band SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 12th Dec 06 – David Hall SDB
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th Dec 06 – Bruce Lindsay Jnr SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Dec 06 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus (Stuart Cameron Trio)
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th Dec 06 – Christmas Ceilidh
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Dec 06 – Bon Accords
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th Dec 06 – 25th Anniv evening with Seamus O’Sullivan
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Dec 06 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 12th Dec 06 – Ian Anderson SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th / 9th Dec 06 – Robert Whitehead SDB 10th Dec – Marian Anderson Trio
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 18th Dec 06 – Gordon Shand SDB
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 18th Dec 06 – Willie Scott
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 17th Dec 06 – Gordon Pattullo
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Dec 06 – Susie Simpson SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 7th Dec 06 – Gordon Brown SDB
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 21st Dec 06 – Dick Black Band
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th Dec 06 – Trossachs CB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 19th Dec 06 – Willie McFarlane Band
Gretna (Social & Athletic Club) - 3rd Dec 06 – Deirdre Adamson
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 17th Dec 06 – Andy Kain Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Dec 06 – Tommy Newcomen
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th Dec 06 – Campsie A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 8th Dec 06 – Dance to Graeme Mitchell SDB
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 5th Dec 06 – Ian Hutson Quartet
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 13th Dec 06 – Vaila Tait Duo
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 6th Dec 06 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Ladybank (Railway Tavern) - 21st Dec 06 – Open Club Night
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 16th Dec 06 – Dance to Andy Kain Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 13th Dec 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th Dec 06 – Club Night 8th Dec 06 – Dance to Ross MacPherson SDB 15th Dec 06 – Grand Christmas Dance
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Dec 06 – Bon Accords
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Dec 06 – Alexander Brothers
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 20th Dec 06 – Club Night
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Dec 06 – Jennifer Cruickshank SDB
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 7th Dec 06 – Neil Sinclair Sound
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig)
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 5th Dec 06 – Alexander Lindsay
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th Dec 06 – George Meikle Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 7th Dec 06 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 14th Dec 06 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - Dec 06 -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 6th Dec 06 – Deirdre Adamson
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 12th Dec 06 – Willie McFarlane & Jessie Baillie
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th Dec 06 – Wyvis Sound
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th Dec 06 – Bill Brian & Fine Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 14th Dec 06 – Club Night
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 12th Dec 06 – Blair Gardiner SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Button-Key
11. Campsie
12. Castle Douglas
13. Coalburn
14. Crieff
15. Dunblane
16. Dunfermline
17. Duns
18. Fintry
19. Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galashiels
22. Glendale
23. Glenrothes
24. Gretna
25. Haddington
26. Highland
27. Inveraray
28 Isle of Skye
29 Islesteps
30. Kelso
31. Kintore
32. Langholm
33. Livingston
34. Lockerbie
35. Mauchline
36. Montrose
37. Newmill
38. Newtongrange
39. North East
40. Oban
41. Orkney
42. Peebles
43. Rothbury
44. Stonehouse
45. Sutherland
46. Thornhill
47. Turriff
48. Tynedale
49. West Barnes
50. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2006
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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